Q:
For a frame to hold glass shelves, I need to cut grooves 1/4 in. wide by 1/2 in. deep along lengths of 1-in. dowel. What’s the best way to do this?
Khodadad Betaharon, Rockville, MD
A:
Routing a groove lengthwise in a dowel requires that you keep the dowel from rolling as you make the cut. This can be done with a table-mounted router, a pair of holders, and two screws.
Cut the sections of dowel 2 in. to 3 in. longer than you will need. Make two holders out of 1-in.-thick scrap-wood. On a drill press, use a 1-in. bit to drill a hole in each holder. Use the fence to ensure that each hole is an equal distance from two adjacent sides of the holders, and check to make sure that the holes are lined up perfectly. Then drill a pilot hole into each holder. Run the dowel through the holders, and drive the screws through the pilot holes to lock the dowel in place.
Lower carefully to start. Begin the cut by lowering the dowel into the rotating router bit at the desired starting point, with the holders flat against the fence.
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With the dowel held firmly, set up the router table with a fence. The edges of the holders that lined up on the drill-press fence should run against the router fence while you make a stopped groove cut. Make the cut in a series of passes. Keep your hands out of harm’s way, up on the holders. After removing the dowel from the holders, you can cut it to length and discard the sections with the screw holes.
Photos: Charles Reina
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